6 July 2017 – From poverty to security: developing solutions grounded in the expertise of experience

Join the Webb Memorial Trust and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Poverty for a timely discussion on how best to address the problems of poverty and insecurity in the UK. This event sees the launch of three proposals for solutions to poverty coming from individuals with direct experience of poverty and Britain’s social security system.

Dr Ruth Patrick (University of Liverpool) workedÂ with three organisationsÂ (Thrive Teesside, Leeds-basedÂ Dole AnimatorsÂ Â andÂ ATD Fourth WorldÂ in London) toÂ developÂ visual representations of the policy changes that they believe could make aÂ lasting difference to the lives of those in poverty. This event brings together the three groups with first-hand experience of poverty for a conversation alongside people with other forms of expertise.

Should policymakers rethink their approach to addressing poverty in the UK?

Is there a mismatch between the portrayal of welfare and everyday experiences?

How can we deliver security for more of Britainâ€™s households?

What can be done to build support for an effective anti-poverty strategy?

This discussion represents an opportunity for politicians, policy makers and other stakeholders to engage with the expertise that comes with experience, and to explore the extent of consensus regarding what might be most effective in delivering positive changes to social security in the UK.

Abi WilkinsonÂ (The Guardian)Â will chair the event. Representatives from Thrive, Dole Animators and ATD Fourth WorldÂ will openÂ the discussion,Â followed by responses from:

Participants will then be invited to take part in a roundtableÂ discussion, and to contribute their own ideas for how these problems might be most effectivelyÂ tackled.

If you cannot make the event, do join in theÂ discussion usingÂ #goodsocietyÂ

Please arrive at Portcullis House by 13.45 in order to clear security. You may be asked for ID. Information about visiting Parliament can be foundÂ here.Â

Dr Ruth PatrickÂ interviewed single parents, disabled people and young job-seekers on benefits over a period of five years to explore the impact of the UK’s ongoing welfare reform programme. First-hand experiences of those at the sharp end of changes to benefits feature throughoutÂ Dr Patrick’s recently published book,Â For Whose Benefit? The everyday realities of welfare reform.